A Whistle Stop Tour of Christmas

December 25th is a date eagerly anticipated across different cultures, generations and backgrounds yet it differs greatly between countries, regions, towns and even cul-de-sacs. So let’s take a whistle-stop tour across these boundaries to explore the varying celebrations and meanings of Christmas.

Beginning in Guildford, Christmas takes a typically English stance; stacks of mince pies piled high in Tesco, Christmas lights sparkling above heads of chaotic shoppers seeking the latest gift ideas in overcrowded stores repeatedly playing ‘Deck the Halls’. Does this seem a little pessimistic? Christmas has undoubtedly become a key element of economic performance in the business world yet fortunately the more traditional aspects of Christmas haven’t wholly diminished. Surrey University readily demonstrates this with a campus abundant in students of all backgrounds and origins excited to celebrate Christmas in their own unique way.

Some English students begin the day by attending church services with family whilst others open stockings in pyjamas; many students admit they still enjoy gathering on their parents bed before heading downstairs to see if ‘he’s been!’ A prominent tradition in the UK seems to be mid-morning champagne and smoked salmon canapés whilst Dad prepares the turkey as ‘King of the Kitchen’ and Mum tries to remember if she’s brought all the presents out of their hiding places. There are those families who rapidly unwrap all presents by 9am whilst others disperse them throughout the day. Grandparents twitch curtains to see ‘what the latest present is’, expecting bikes, scooters or rollerblades but alas children remain inside on Xbox games and Nintendo. Meanwhile Mum sighs as her careful wrapping and labelling lies in a destructed mound of torn paper being scooped into bin liners by Dad. Younger siblings then begin nagging older generations to help battle Barbie’s packaging which challenges even the most competent ‘unwrappers’.

Then of course comes lunch where the household cooks concentrate on calculating cooking times so the feast can come together flawlessly. Crackers are pulled, cheesy jokes told and ridiculous hats worn.  As usual the bread pudding or cranberry sauce is suddenly remembered half way through and the meal ends with crammed bellies yet one can always find room for Christmas pudding. Families then retire to the lounge for The Queen’s speech and afternoon films; will it be ‘Shrek’ or ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’ this year? Don’t forget ‘The Snowman’! Soon enough the alcohol takes its toll and afternoon naps are embraced.

Later Grandma promptly remembers that the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special’ is on whilst others play those traditional games which only appear during the festive season; Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo. To finish the day we manage to squeeze in a cold turkey sandwich and perhaps another drink; mulled wine anyone?

Looking further afield Christmas can be very different. Let’s stop ‘Down Under’ where Christmas is part of summer and celebrated with BBQs on the beach! Shrimp replaces turkey and ice cream substitutes Christmas pudding. Christmas lights cannot be enjoyed until late evening after the sunset and whilst the English throw on another scarf the ‘ozzies’ slap on the sun cream!

Moving in a North Westerly direction we arrive in Asia where Western culture has influenced some traditional aspects of Christmas yet there’re unique elements such as village feasts and a greater focus on family time rather than commercialism. Japanese Christmas cake is often a white cream cake with strawberries and The Philippines celebrates the world’s longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September 1!

Let’s return a little closer to home; despite being geographically close France has several differences in their celebration. They similarly display traditional nativity scenes but put Jesus in the manger at midnight on Christmas Eve. The 24th also involves placing socks or shoes (depending on how many presents are expected!) besides the fireplace or Christmas tree. Christmas dinner begins with appetisers of foie gras, salmon or oysters and is followed with turkey and chestnuts and Yule log to finish.

For students, Christmas often becomes even more special than previous years as leaving home commonly provokes a greater appreciation of family time and home comforts. Although our whistle-stop tour shows a variety of meanings, values and celebrations Christmas holds a special ability to suit a family’s own style; from those awakening at 6am to those who sleep in, from burnt turkeys to feasts fit for Her Majesty and from the movie watchers to competitive board game players. Christmas is adaptable to all kinds of people so whatever your traditions celebrate in liberation as ‘The Stag’ wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!